Bridal Updo Hairstyles

Brides have a lot of options for updos on their big day.

Until the 15th century, weddings were family affairs that required nothing in the way of legal sanctions from the state. However, even the smallest wedding ceremonies have historically included an element of pageantry that incorporates bridal bouquets, expressive attire and elaborate bridal updo hairstyles. Today, brides can select vintage or modern bridal updos to express personal style on their big day.

Vintage

Vintage bridal updos bring authenticity to period weddings.

Vintage bridal updos add an element of authenticity to period weddings by emulating the styles of bygone eras. Ratted Gibson girls, pin-up curls, knotted chignons and finger waves are all vintage styles that immediately achieve a retro feel for your wedding. Be sure to set each of these styles with copious amounts of hairspray as a finishing touch, so they will stay in place throughout the festivities.

Short

Tiaras are a great tool for short hair bridal updos.

Women with short hair can achieve bridal updos in one of two ways. The first option is to utilize hair pieces that match the natural hair color. Pull short hair up into a central location in the middle of the head and then clip in hair pieces that achieve long curls or braid wreaths.

The second option is to incorporate accessories in short hair. Simply create volume in short hair via ratting and teasing, and then place items such as tiaras, hair clips or flowers into the hair to serve as accents.

Long

Long hair updos take a long time to style.

Women with long hair have multiple bridal options that include the French fold, plaited freestyle, side ponytails, curl piles and gentle tendrils that fall down the side of the face. Long hair takes considerable effort and time to style on the big day, so it is preferable to hire a professional stylist if possible and to style hair before dressing and applying makeup.

Ethnic

Afros are great natural wedding updos for ethnic hair.

African American hair tends to be kinky and Asian hair tends to be straight. In order to achieve bridal updos for these ethnic hair types, use a flat iron to straighten hair or a curling iron and hairspray to achieve curls. For natural styles, comb out Afro-American hair until you achieve an Afro look and then gather or twist hair or add accent clips and combs for flare. Pony tails large or small as well as combs and clips work well for Asian hair styles if curls are not desired.

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